We had the good fortune of connecting with Carlos Apitz and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Carlos, why did you pursue a creative career?
From a very young age I felt the need to create through drawing and painting, I discovered from a young age that art is a form of expression and also a business. After finishing high school in Venezuela, my native country, the decision to become an artist and graphic designer was a logical decision for me.
And I don’t regret it, after 35 years of continuous work, I have the same passion and love for my way of life and my business.
And best of all… there is always something new to learn or see.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Carlos Apitz is a renowned graphic artist and designer, renowned for his bold and colorful creations that blend traditional techniques with modern technology. Carlos has become a leading figure in the South Florida arts and design industry, but his path to success was not an easy one.
Although he studied Drawing and Advertising Design at a small Academy named Higuera, in Caracas, part of his career began as a self-taught artist, developing his skills through practice and experimentation. He quickly gained recognition for his distinctive style and was commissioned for various projects by local businesses and organizations. However, he faced numerous challenges as an emerging artist, including limited resources and lack of exposure. Carlos persevered, working hard to refine his craft and expand his portfolio.
To overcome these challenges, Carlos Apitz looked for opportunities to collaborate with other artists and designers, participating in group shows and workshops. He also made a concerted effort to network and market himself, using social media and other platforms to showcase his work and connect with potential clients.
Through his hard work and dedication, Carlos Apitz has become a leading figure in the arts and design industry, earning recognition and praise for his innovative designs. His portfolio includes work for numerous clients.
Along the way, Carlos Apitz has learned several important lessons. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and experimentation, as well as the need to stay focused and disciplined in pursuit of one’s goals. He also emphasizes the value of collaboration and networking, noting that working with other artists and designers can lead to new opportunities and insights.
Carlos Apitz wants the world to know that his art is a reflection of his unique perspective and experiences. He draws inspiration from his Venezuelan roots and the vibrant colors and patterns of his culture. His work also reflects his passion for experimentation and innovation, as he blends traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology to create truly unique designs.
In short, Carlos Apitz’s path to success was not easy, but through hard work, perseverance and collaboration, he has become a leading figure in the arts and design. He hopes to inspire others to pursue their passions and never give up on their dreams.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a friend were to visit me in Miami, I would take them on a cultural journey of this vibrant city. There are many interesting places to visit that offer a mix of fun and cultural experiences. Here are five of my top recommendations:
Little Havana: This is the cultural heart of Miami’s Cuban community. It’s a colorful neighborhood full of music, food, and art. A visit to Calle Ocho is a must, where you can find many restaurants, cafes, and shops that offer traditional Cuban food and souvenirs. You can also visit the historic Tower Theater, which shows Spanish and Latin American films.
Wynwood Walls: This is an outdoor art gallery that features murals and graffiti by some of the world’s most famous street artists. It’s a great place to take pictures and appreciate contemporary art. You can also visit some of the galleries and shops in the area that showcase local artists.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: This is a stunning villa built in the Italian Renaissance style that was once the home of industrialist James Deering. The villa is now a museum that showcases art, furniture, and decorative arts from the 15th to the 19th century. The gardens are also beautiful and offer views of Biscayne Bay.
Perez Art Museum Miami: This is a contemporary art museum located in downtown Miami that features international art from the 20th and 21st centuries. The museum also offers great views of the bay and has a lovely outdoor terrace where you can enjoy a drink or a meal.
The Wolfsonian-FIU: This is a museum that explores the intersections of art, design, and propaganda. It has an impressive collection of objects from the Industrial Revolution to the end of the Second World War, including posters, furniture, and decorative arts. The museum is located in the historic Art Deco district of Miami Beach.
These are just a few of the many cultural and fun places to visit in Miami. There’s something for everyone, from historic neighborhoods to contemporary art galleries. I’m sure my friend would love exploring this vibrant and diverse city.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
When I am asked about the success I have had in my creative profession, I always remember that there were also low moments in my career, but I discovered that many people supported me and promoted my work, naming all those people becomes very difficult. But my parents were definitely a great support, they insisted that I take art and painting classes when they saw my drawing skills, my wife Carmen is a great support and encouragement in these times when we try to promote a visual and artistic proposal in Miami and spread my work and my sister Cira Apitz even more, who has always been a great promoter of my work in the United States. In the USA, I discovered that life gives you brothers without knowing it, this is the case of Eduardo Sevilla from Creativity 305, who has always supported my artistic and creative ventures. Eduardo has been a great friend and partner in these last 9 years.
Mike Hellem and Antonio del Moral, owners of Galeria Adelmo in Paqueña Havana in Miami, they gave me my first exhibition in South Florida and from there many doors have been opened for me. The gallery unfortunately closed due to the pandemic, but we continue to work together on different projects.
When I talk about my youth I always mention the Boy Scouts of Venezuela, they taught me that it is better to always be a leader and not just a boss, this helped me a lot when working with creative teams, especially in my first position as Art Director.
As a Boy Scout I traveled throughout my country and got to know the Venezuelan natural landscape and its popular culture, which is part of my inspiration when painting and designing.
An artist sometimes has many influences from other artists, in my case Salvador Dalí, Alberto Vargas, H.R. Giger, Andy Warhol, Cruz Diez and Manuel Cabre have been and are artists whom I admire and have influenced my work.
But my best influence when painting is a blank sheet of paper or canvas, with a good coffee.
A blank paper gives infinite possibilities to your imagination when painting or designing.
Website: https://carlosapitz.com
Instagram: @apitz_graphic_design
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlosapitz/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarlosApitz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Carlos.Apitz.Design/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXZ2VPkf7GFLW25HJQ1rdzA
Image Credits
Carlos Apitz with Mug and Lady Arepa painting Frida on Green Avila in three linear times Casablanca Elizabeth Queen Juan Dollar Celia Cruz Elvis